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Flights from JFK start at: $373
Why it’s an amazing trip: When it comes to South American adventures, Ecuador tends to take a back seat to more popular destinations like Peru or Patagonia. But Ecuador is a country of gorgeous contrasts, from lush Amazonian jungle to towering Andean peaks and warm beaches with beautiful surf. The capital, Quito, is a historic city high among the clouds. Roam the old city, one of the original UNESCO sites, for epic, hilly views of the surrounding mountains, hit the nighttime streets of the boisterous backpacker district, or tuck into a bowl of delicious, local ceviche.
Why it’s affordable: Ecuador is still on the ground floor of tourism. It isn’t lacking in infrastructure, but it caters to a backpacker/adventurous community more so than to the luxury traveler. Hotel rates hover around $100 for hotels with the bells and whistles, but can drop as low as $11 for something more budget. Not to mention the country uses U.S. dollars, which saves tremendously on exchange rates.
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Flights from JFK start at: $311
Why it’s an amazing trip: You won’t want to actually stay in San Jose, but the capital of this tiny country makes an excellent jumping off point for more attractive destinations in Costa Rica. Heralded as the gateway drug to Central America, Costa Rica’s dense rainforests, Caribbean and Pacific coasts, surfable beaches, volcanoes and hot springs have been attracting everyone from backpackers to boho chicks for many years.
Why it’s affordable: Because of its popularity with tourists, Costa Rica often gets the reputation that it’s expensive. But if you know where to look, it’s still possible to do this desto on the cheap. Backpacker hostels range from $9 to $18 per night, while guest houses will go from $24 to $40 per night. Avoid staying in major destinations like Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and Tamarindo, where prices tend to be between $100 to $200, at the minimum. Skip the fancy restaurants and head to roadside huts known as soadas, which are hugely important in Costa Rican culture. These family-run restaurants serve typical Costa Rican cuisine for around $5, and it’s an epic plate of food with rice, salad, beans, and meat. Opt for bus travel over renting a car and see the whole country for under $20.
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Flights from JFK start at: $245
Why it’s an amazing trip: Curacao is more than your typical Caribbean destination. While it certainly packs a punch when it comes to sugary beachfronts with vibrant diving and snorkeling, the capital, Willemstad, can trace its roots back to the 16th century. The island still belongs to the Netherlands, along with Aruba and Bonaire, and looks like a pastel-colored version of Amsterdam. Visit Christoffel National Park, which is chock full of dirt roads for biking or hiking, caves with ancient drawings, and a plethora of flora and fauna.
Why it’s affordable: During low season, hotel rates hover around $100 per night. Like many other Caribbean islands, Curacao has its fair share of all-inclusive hotels, which help keep costs low. Dining off a resort will run about $6 to $9 per person. Ferry service around the island is limited, but free. For more far-flung travel, the buses are about $1 per trip.
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Flights from JFK start at: $220
Why it’s an amazing trip: Martinique is a slice of French heaven, with enviable Caribbean weather. The mountainous island, which is still under French government, is a blend of natural beauty with sultry, city sex appeal. While the rest of the Caribbean opts for sprawling all-inclusives, Martinique swings more homegrown with artsy boutique hotels. Compared to some of its neighbors, the island sports an unvarnished, understated vibe, where authenticity reigns over catering to tourists. Snack on shellfish underneath shady beach palaces or dance to Biguine music into the wee hours of the morning while throwing back glass after glass of potent Ti Punch.
Why it’s affordable: A large local population ensures that there are enough affordable accommodations on the island, with hotel prices ranging from under $100 a night to upwards of $300 for more luxury travelers.
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Flights from JFK start at: $302
Why it’s an amazing trip: Mexico’s colonial destinations tend to lose out over its spectacular beach destinations, but the city of Merida on the north tip of the Yucatan peninsula is one that should not be missed. The historic city is a cultural capital, with quaint cobblestone streets, plazas, museums, delicious street food, and colorful heritage. The city is also positioned close to many ancient Mayan sites that hide out of the tourist spotlight, like Uxmal, which draw far fewer crowds than Chichen Itza.
Why it’s affordable: The peso to the dollar is at a historic 18:1, and Mexico has not adjusted its prices accordingly, meaning it’s possible to live like royalty. An Uber ride across town will cost less than $3, and meals, depending on the restaurant, are no more than $10. Plus, many of the historic attractions, like the St. Ildephonsus Cathedral and Government Palace are free. Day tours to nearby Uxmal cost less than $25 and include lunch.
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Flights from JFK start at: $249
Why it’s an amazing trip: Cuba has been high on the bucket list for many Americans for a couple of years now, and it’s still a hot destination worthy of your time. Most notably because for so many years, we weren’t allowed to go. Soak up the history on the streets of Havana by marveling at the gorgeous architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and views over the bay. Dine at one of the many paladars, private homes that have been transformed into restaurants, or hop a bus and go out to the beaches of Varadero. Smoke a Cuban cigar (legally!), sip some rum, and take a stroll on the world-famous Malecon, where the historic cars cruise.
Why it’s affordable: Budget travelers won’t have a problem finding Havana affordable. The Cuban currency is the CUC, and the exchange rate is about 1 to 1. Midrange hotels run from CUC$50 to $100, while casas particulare (guest houses) are around CUC$25 to $35. Meals in paladars are around CUC$15 to 25. Museum entrances are anywhere from CUC$1 to $5, and taxis around town are approximately $2.50 to $7.
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Flights from JFK start at: $333
Why it’s an amazing trip: Most travelers to Guatemala bypass the capital city on the way to Antigua, as it has been known in the past for petty crime and a dingy atmosphere. But the city has been undergoing a complete makeover, starting with Zona 1 in Downtown. The district’s 6a Calle has become pedestrianized and is lined with trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants. And if you still are itching to see Antigua, the volcanic, colonial city is known for its backpacker clientele.
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Flights from JFK start at: $386
Why it’s an amazing trip: Cartagena is a Caribbean jewel on the north coast of Colombia. The destination burst onto the tourism scene a few years ago and since then has sky-rocketed to popularity. People flock to the colonial city by the sea for its amazing fairytale charm. Historic architecture rubs elbows with trendy restaurants, all in bright colors and festooned with vibrant flowers. The Old Town is made up of El Centro and San Diego, packed with plazas, mansions, churches, and buzzing activity into all hours of the night.
Why it’s affordable: Even though the tourism in Cartagena is tremendous, the city remains an exceptionally affordable place to travel. Hotel accommodations average around $29 per night (though you can certainly find more expensive). Delicious meals at local, family-run restaurants will average around $8, while alcoholic beverages (for the day) can average a measly $5. Most places in Cartagena are walkable, but if you’re looking for destinations farther afield, like the San Felipe fort, an accessible and affordable bus system is available. Taxis are also found everywhere and are decidedly cheap—around $2.
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Flights from JFK start at: $344
Why it’s an amazing trip: Mexico City is one of the most vibrant and cultural destinations in the world—a rival of any European destination with roots that are decidedly indigenous and Mexican. The vast city of a (recorded) 21 million people is broken up into distinct neighborhoods, each one more different from the next. Feast on culinary delights from basic street tacos to some of the best restaurants in the world. Explore boutique hotels and guest houses, wander the running paths at Chapultepec Park, and peruse one of the 1,500 museums and galleries that this Latin American capital has to offer.
Why it’s affordable: Again, the dollar is exceptionally strong against the peso, making everything in Mexico a steal. Like any cosmopolitan city, it is entirely possible to live it up in swank style, but the majority of Mexicans who live there aren’t doing it that way, and neither should you. Midrange hotel rooms run from roughly $30 to $60 per night, with dinner and drinks averaging about $10 to 15. For something incredibly affordable, consider a hostel at $9 a bed. A fixed-price lunch in the city is anywhere from $3 to $4, with street tacos running even cheaper than that. A taxi will be anywhere from $1.50 to $3, and the expansive Metro system costs less than a quarter per ride.
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Flights from JFK start at: $297
Why it’s an amazing trip: While you won’t be collecting a passport stamp, there’s nothing wrong with domestic travel, especially when it’s to New Orleans. One of the must cultural, foodie-centric, party-heavy destinations in the country, New Orleans is always a good time. See Bourbon Street (if you must), for its French architecture and legendary nightlife, but avoid the bachelor/frat party fray on Frenchman Street for local jazz music and a more civilized crowd. From Mardi Gras to Jazz Fest, this is a city that loves to celebrate and is proud of its multi-cultural roots, from Native American to French, Spanish, and Africa.
Why it’s affordable: Expect to pay a little more for accommodations in New Orleans. Budget accommodations will run up to $30 for a dorm bed, or $100 to $120 for a guesthouse or B&B. Cheap takeout can be anywhere from $5 to $10, or dine at a local restaurant for under $50, for two people. Street car tickets cost roughly $3, or take taxis for around $20 to $40.
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